Man who was arrested for assault ordered to seek anger management

news

February 19, 2025

A 39-year-old Eufaula man charged with assaulting his girlfriend and brother last year entered an Alford plea in district court Friday and was given a 10-year suspended sentence.

An Alford plea is a guilty plea entered by a criminal defendant who does not admit guilt but nevertheless pleads guilty as part of a plea bargain.

Lemuel Ray Ballard was arrested on Jan. 3, 2024 and charged with domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; kidnapping; assault and battery by strangulation and unlawful possession of CDS (marijuana).

The kidnapping charge has been dismissed.

In addition to the 10-year suspended sentence, Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges ordered Ballard to have a mental evaluation and to seek help for anger management.

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